The question this week is, ‘What if Jesus had missed Gethsemane? What if we didn’t have this prayer time in the garden? What would we be missing in the story of Jesus death and resurrection?’ Gethsemane was where Jesus and His disciples regularly went to, but here it will be the last time Jesus will be there with them before the cross. All 4 gospels record the scene at Gethsemane, so it has a significance we would do well to consider. It is the place that shows the agony and pain Jesus had to suffer in order to save us. It is also a place where we learn what it really means to do the Father’s will. The Garden of Gethsemane was necessary because it was there that Jesus chose to take upon himself the sin, suffering, and infirmities of humanity. Without Gethsemane, we would miss that truth.

Scripture reading: Matthew 26:36-46

Preacher: Jim de Witte

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As we draw closer to Easter, we are continuing to apply ‘What if’ questions to the events of Jesus’ last week before his death and resurrection. Today we apply the ‘what if’ question to the Passover meal that Jesus and the disciples celebrated. What if Jesus had not celebrated this ‘Last Supper’ with the disciples? What if the way Jesus used it to teach was not recorded for us? What significant understanding of the gospel would be lacking if we did not have this account?

Scripture reading: Matthew 26:17-30

Preacher: Jim de Witte

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With Easter just a few weeks away, we are going to look together at some of the events that mark Jesus final week leading up to his crucifixion. We are going to apply ‘What if’ questions to the accounts, wondering how things might be different if the event was omitted. Today we apply the ‘what if’ question to the triumphal entry, as Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. What if Jesus had just slipped into Jerusalem unnoticed, as he had done a few times before? What if Jesus had hidden away from the crowds; what if he stopped the chanting crowd. What would we be missing if we did not have this

Preacher: Jim de Witte

Passage: Luke 19:28-44

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Passage: Matthew 8:5-13

Preacher: Juhan Klooster (JK)

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When we look at the third commandment it seems, on the surface, and easy one to avoid breaking: just don’t swear using the name of God. Simple, let’s move to the fourth commandment. If that’s all that is at stake, a little self-control would bring compliance. But names in the Bible do more than identify and individual and delving into the name of God is key to a deeper obedience to the command. It is more than misusing God’s name, but ensuring we honour him.

Passage: Exodus 20:7

Preacher: Jim de Witte

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Psalm 90 is a psalm of meditation and reflection. It reflects on two massive truths about God and life here on this earth. But these reflections aren't just an exercise in navel-gazing, they lead to a response. Psalm 90 shows us how to respond to God in light of the truths that it reflects on. Knowing what God is like, and what our lives are like, drives us to make him our help and our dwelling place.

Passage: Psalm 90

Preacher: Jacob Greatbatch

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Last Sunday we looked at the first commandment which makes it clear who the object of our worship must be: YHWH alone. But how is he to be worshipped? That is the question addressed in the second commandment, which in brief says, with no idols. God’s uniqueness requires unique devotion. The warning is about avoiding any representation of God as if he is a part of creation, or even a created animal or being. So then, the commandment teaches us how we are to think of God, and it also teaches us how we are to worship God. It means we must worship God as he has revealed himself and as he has required: in Christ, through his Word and the sacraments, received by faith, in spirit and in truth.

Bible Passage: Exodus 32:1-24

Preacher: Jim de Witte

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